I'll be moving to bowling green, KY from NJ in a month. Any tips on how to merge into southern culture? i'm 24

Question

I've been to kentucky before, but i really dont know too much about the "southern lifestyle". Is it that much different from jersey? I've also been told that they "hunt and kill my kind for sport", (i'm wiccan, kinda goth, few body piercings/tattoo). What is the easiest way for me to merge into the culture, blend in, find a job, and make some new friends down there? As it stands now i only know my boyfriend and 2 other people.
Also, i'm a hairdresser here in Jersey, i've only had my license for a year, so i know i have to go back to school out there as well. Does anyone know the specifics on cosmetology laws out there?

Answer 1

There's no merging to do. They're from Kentucky, not Mars. They're people.

Answer 2

You've heard of southern hospitality I assume? Sometimes it seems that's a myth.

I moved to Arkansas from Michigan when I was 18. After just a few weeks I swore that if I heard, "Do you know what the difference is between a yankee and a damn yankee?" just one more time...

I can't speak for Kentucky, or for the south as a whole. But I can tell you that some you meet will be just as friendly as you could ever ask for, others will give hostility new meaning! The "goth" thing happens down here quite a bit, as does the peircings and tattoos, it isn't mainstream by anymeans, but it is here. I'm sure that you'll have no problem finding others with similar values and common interests, it may take awhile, but have patience.

Whatever you do, don't look down on those you meet who are different, and if you plan to stay, don't even begin to try to compare the South with NJ. You'll offend many, and it's not really even comparible! You can take that one either way you want, depending on who you are, will probably determine just whom you think I've insulted there, but it really isn't an insult. It's more like apples and oranges, they're just too different!

All in all, I wish you infinitely better luck than I had being transplanted here at 18! I wouldn't have wished that on anybody!!!! Being near a college should help though, means a more diverse group of people. I didn't have that added bonus.

For the record though, I have discovered not all of Arkansas is Hell, just the spot I originally landed in. I've since found my part of the state and couldn't begin to be happier! The nicest, friendliest people reside over here!!!!

Answer 3

Well I'm a B.G gal and call tell you that yes there are some people who are still backwards and give looks like you fell off a spaceship, but it is not as country as some other places I have been too mentailty wise. I once worked with a girl who was into wicca and she was alright with me. To me I don't care what you do as long as it does not affect me in a bad way. Whatever floats your boat and keeps it sail is what I say. The cosmetology schools are Lindsey Institue-270) 796-3661 and PJ's beauty college-[phone]. I really could not tell you which is better you might call to find out about the laws tho. Cultures are pretty diverse we have all kinds of people white, black, latino, bosnian, and as far as standing out don't worry you are not the only one with tattoos and piercings in Bowling Green. It's not Mayberry and besides if you want more extensive culture Nashville is about a little under an hour away. The only part that seems like Mayberry s that Waffle Hlouse don't take credit cards, my sister calls twilight zone. But anything else email me [e-mail], as for the southern accent this is a college town, meaning so many people come from all over to attend Western KEntucky University # 1 in journalism, something I can't believe I'm hocking off and aside from that there is not alot of southern accent too much those who have one are from small counties of people who drive to Bowling Green to get to the Walmart because they don't have one. And as far as the lasso we only break those out for the yankees who don;t stay lol.

Answer 4

Why do you have to drop out at 18? Finish school and get your HS diploma. In NJ as long as you don't drop out at 18 you can be in high school until the end of the school year in which you turn 21. Most states are similar in their rules on the maximum age for high school. You'll have to get a job to help with expenses. I live alone and pay about $1600 a month in house hold expenses. Your monthly expenditure will depend on total expenses divided by how many people live together. But don't just go by that number to figure out what you need. Unexpected expenses always pop up, plus you'll want entertainment and luxury funds so make sure you can pay your portion of the bills and have a sizable savings (recommended savings is equaled to 3-6 months worth of expenses). But whatever you do- don't drop out of high school. You'll have more options if you see high school through to the end.

Answer 5

I moved from New Jersey to rural North Carolina for about a year in the 1970's. The main cultural difference that took a lot of getting used to is the slower pace of life. In NJ you pretty much walk into a store grab what you want, pay a the counter and leave. In most Southern States, making even simple purchases like a pack of gum or a bottle of "pop" (that is what they call soda) will probably take several minutes because everyone wants to chat with you.

Be prepared to discuss the weather and local issues for at least a minute or two every time you shop. This even occurs in large department stores and fast food restaurants.

When at work, be prepared for everything to take a lot longer. The pace of life is way slower. When you first get there it feels quite odd; like everyone else is in slow motion or deliberately trying to frustrate you. They are not. It is just the way they are.

Another thing that takes some getting used to is the distance between things. Kentucky is much larger than New Jersey and more sparsely populated. At night, depending on where you are, it may seem like all life stops at about 7pm.

I also noticed that the food was different. Where I lived in Northern New Jersey, most portions at diners and restaurants were huge compared to the South. They don't seem to eat as much at one time as we do.

In rural areas, the work day starts before dawn (for the farmers and construction workers for example) and stops for a few hours at mid-day and then resumes again until early evening. (just too hot to work in the mid-day sun).

Keep a check on your attitude and be prepared to socialize and converse a lot. Southerners are usually quite friendly and hospitable. Also be prepared to encounter resistance if you try to change the way anything is done particularly at work.

They can be pretty resentful of some "Yankee" trying to tell them how to do something they have been doing for years. But if you do not try to take over or move too fast you can gain their respect and then things are much better.

There are almost no bakeries or pastry shops. Probably nothing like the diners we have, either. They usually have either just a luncheonette or a full restaurant. Nothing in between.

Hope this helps .
.

Answer 6

Well Hello Fellow Jersian! Altho I've lived in NY for 30 years, until recently, I'm Jersey bred & born.

I'm in Nashville Tn having re-married and my Hubby works here..he's a true blue Georgia Peach and I was concerned that I might not fit well into the culture.....

The South seems as diverse as the North so you'll have no trouble with any Manhunts being organized with you in mind.......I will say the pace of life is slower and more relaxed-which I'm enjoying alto I tend to want things done 'in a NY minute'....aint no such animal here lol. Here they do stop to smell the roses....often. And you'd be suprised how many transplanted Northerners you'll meet...
...The food took me a little getting used to. My ex mother-in-law was southern so I knew grits, hush puppies, ambrosia, sweet tea, ham & red eye gravy but sausage gravy & biscuits, fried okra, and greens cooked with bacon or ham were something new.

I say be yourself. Be friendly and polite. You'll do just fine.

Answer 7

I been to many places and countries.I will tell you ONE thing everyone is different and place..The southern ppl are very nice.I live now in heartland..and ppl out here are minding there own damm business you can kill someone in front lawn and NO ONE will do nothing..
Now in Las Vegas..Everyone is welcome..even you lol! But you go to Chicago you have to be tough bc there are agressive And..Don't let me get started on those CA folks they get to much sun and are just plasic and fake ppl/
O
Whatever you don don't piss the old ppl of they will hit you it has happen to me before in Ohio I said the f word and this lady hit me with her purse real hard..she said"Dont talk like that" makes me sick of kids today LOL

Old ppl LOL-

O stay away from those family resteraunts where they know everyone and the whole familes work there and the same ppl go there and eat..Is most creepy thing I seen..strange ppl..

If you ever go to Mexico PLEASE do not leave the airport if you don't want to end up missing and they have kick b utt tacos and mangos lol--

going there in December omg..can't wait..

adios chica

good luck with the moving ..

Answer 8

I always heard that people in the south are very kind. Just be yourself! As far as style is concerned I think it's the same everywhere, you have different kinds of people sporting what they like. finding a job-look in the want ads as you'd do back at home, talk to people, you never know what opportunities are out there- who knows you might bump into the right person. Good luck and have a ball- you only live once after all!

Answer 9

Be quiet and observe. Be yourself unless you're a jerk or you'll probably get your butt kicked by some redneck wearing overalls. Southern people are OK. But then I think most people are. I spent two days last year walking the streets of Manhattan and even thought the hard asses of NY were pretty friendly. Just treat people like you would like to be treated is my motto. It's worked pretty well for me for 60 years. Good luck

Answer 10

Let me see , you're a wiccan, semi-goth with some piercings.

You have some work cut out for you.

Complete assimilation would be you re/establish your relationship the Risen Jesus , get involved an drive by from your local Donna Karen rep and remove anything you're grandmother wouldn't have pierced.

But actually, folks might think it's pretty cool, you will definitely stand out.

Answer 11

first thing i say when I'm moving from one place to another is what is exactly they have in that place? is it like where i lived before? there are alto of questions but the right thing to do is ask friends or parental you have in that place how the system really work back there? once you move start making new friends and do what you have to do even if you can't really adapt with the system try because it's one of memorable periods in your life you will never forget it.